Bonaire Elementary School was recently named a 2021 recipient of the School Bell Award from the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals (GAESP) for their Bonaire Fitness Fair program. Each year, the GAESP presents this award to 10 schools in recognition of outstanding programs in the area of curriculum and organization leadership.

The Bonaire Fitness Fair at Bonaire Elementary School began as an effort to create a positive attitude toward physical activity.  Starting in 2018, five gyms and business came to the school to speak on topics such as nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyle.  In addition, they offered students a chance to participate in fun activities such as yoga, obstacle courses, martial arts and running. The Bonaire Fitness Fair has continued every year since it began, although it took place virtually in 2020.

“The Bonaire Fitness Fair allowed our supportive community to partner with our students in uncharted ways,” said Meghan McCranie, physical education teacher at Bonaire Elementary School. “This event has grown student confidence, encouraged community involvement, and has fostered conversations for parents and children that may not have previously been the norm for them.”

McCranie said that support from middle Georgia businesses made the event a huge success. She added, “Students who had difficulty sitting still found themselves in a yoga studio being aware of their thoughts and their breathing. Children who had only seen martial arts on media platforms were performing sequences of intentional body movements. Kids who never had an interest in organized sports were fully involved in a kicking game, similar to soccer, but in ways that made them successful at their current skill level.”

Bonaire Elementary School will receive this award during the GAESP Fall Conference in October.  The 2021 Bonaire Fitness Fair is tentatively scheduled to take place in November.

Bonaire Elementary School is located at 101 Elm Street in Bonaire. Dr. Catherine Gardner serves as principal. For more information on the Bonaire Fitness Fair, please contact Bonaire Elementary School at (478) 929-7826.